I don't ever remember a single day of hopelessness. I knew from the history of the labor movement, especially of the black people, that it was an undertaking of great trial. That, live or die, I had to stick with it, and we had to win.

The quote by A. Philip Randolph reflects his unwavering hope and determination in the face of struggle. By saying he never remembered “a single day of hopelessness,” Randolph emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith and resilience even during difficult times. For him, the fight for justice was not optional but an essential commitment, no matter how long or difficult the path.

Randolph draws strength from the history of the labor movement, particularly the struggles of Black workers. He recognized that their journey had always been marked by great trial, sacrifice, and opposition, yet it was through persistence that progress was achieved. This historical perspective reminded him that his own fight was part of a larger continuum, giving him courage to press forward.

His statement “live or die, I had to stick with it, and we had to win” demonstrates the depth of his conviction. Randolph viewed the struggle not only as a personal mission but also as a collective responsibility. Victory was not just about individual success but about the advancement of a people and the fulfillment of a moral obligation to fight injustice.

The origin of this quote lies in Randolph’s lifelong role as a civil rights leader and labor organizer, most famously as the founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and a key figure in the 1963 March on Washington. His leadership blended the fight for workers’ rights with the struggle for racial equality, embodying the belief that perseverance, unity, and an unshakable sense of purpose could overcome oppression.